How to Draw Less Attention to Large Breasts

Co-authored by Sarah McDonald

Last Updated: September 13, 2021 References

Having large breasts can be great and fun and make you feel ultra-feminine, but they can also be a source of unwanted attention. The first, and most important thing you should know is that there is nothing wrong with having large breasts. Having large breasts doesn’t automatically make you a slut or mean that you are somehow deserving of harassment. If you feel that your breasts are drawing so much attention that people aren’t really getting to know amazing, beautiful you, then these tips can help balance your figure and draw the eye away from your bust. This article will also teach you ways to respond when you find yourself getting negative, unwelcome attention.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dressing for Your Figure

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Choose shirts with a V-neck or scoop neck.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Shirts with high collars (including turtlenecks and polos) can be aging or give you the appearance of a uni-boob. A V-neck will visually break up your chest and flatter your figure.
- A sweetheart, low-cut square, or punching necklines all flatter a larger bust.
- Avoid details that draw the eye to your chest. Sequins, writing, buttons above the bust line, pockets, and frills or lace at the neckline will all bring the focus back to your breasts.
- Don’t get crazy with too much cleavage, as that will draw attention to your breasts.^{[2]
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  Sarah McDonald
  Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
2
Look for longer shirts that will lengthen your torso and balance your frame. Because you have more to cover in the chest area, your shirt will hit higher on your waist. You want it to hit about 4-5 inches below your belly button. This will slim your waist and make your torso look longer, instead making your hips and bustline look squished together.
- Notice sleeve length as well—sleeves that end right at your bust-line can make your chest appear wider. Try cap, three-quarter, or long sleeves instead.
- When shopping, choose shirts with a more rectangular shape than a square shape—these will be longer.
- Wear long camisoles under shorter shirts to add length. If all your shirts are boxy and too short, invest in a couple of long camisoles you can layer underneath for the same effect.
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3
Avoid baggy clothing. You might be feeling self-conscious about your breasts and want to hide in a baggy shirt, or you may be so frustrated trying to find something that fits that you just buy a shirt that is too big. But baggy clothes don’t make your breasts look smaller—they just make you look bigger all over.
- Try to find shirts that are fitted in the torso but have more space in the bust area. Fitted t-shirts that have extra length should give you the desired fit.
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Shop for wrap-dresses, which hit all the styling sweet-spots. Wrap dresses will cinch in your waist, and usually have V-necklines with more room for your breasts. Any dress that creates that “V” shape at the top (whether with fabric, seams, beading, or neckline) will give you a gorgeous hour-glass shape.^{[3]
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- Avoid dresses with halters or empire bust lines. These are generally not made with large-breasted women in mind, and you will either be spilling out or the empire line will hit you mid-chest.
- A dress that shows off your legs, either with a short hemline or a slit, will draw the eye away from your chest.^{[4]
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Find a simple jacket that hits your mid or lower hip.^{[5]
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Research source} A great jacket can break up the bustline, enhance your figure, and draw the eye downward.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Sarah McDonald
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} A jacket that is too-short will make you look boxy, and lapels or double-breasted jackets (jackets with two rows of buttons) will make your chest look wide.^{[7]
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- Wear a jacket in a color that contrasts your shirt for a slimming effect.^{[8]
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- If you're wearing a blazer, wear it open or only button the button below your bustline. Don't button or zip all the way up.^{[9]
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- Avoid belted jackets. The material will bunch up and make your chest look bigger and your waist look wider.^{[10]
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Accessorize with eye-catching earrings and necklaces that hang above your neckline. A long necklace will sit right in your cleavage or hang off of your breasts, where it will swing and draw attention. A shorter necklaces that hangs at least a half-inch above your neckline will bring attention to your collar-bone area rather than your chest^{[11]
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- Consider a big, chunky necklace, which may create the illusion of smaller breasts.^{[12]
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- A gorgeous pair of drop earrings, hoops, or chandelier earrings will draw the eye to your face.
- Layering bangles can also draw attention away from your bust.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding a Bra that Fits

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Make sure your bra is the right size. A bra that doesn't fit right will look "off" under your clothes. You may be spilling out of the cups or have a band that is too tight and looks lumpy, which may draw attention to your chest. A bra that provides proper support and fits correctly will help you feel comfortable and may improve your confidence.
- Check that your bra straps don't dig into your shoulders. Your straps should not be working hard to support your breasts. You may need a smaller band size or a bra with wider straps.^{[13]
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  Research source} You can also buy padding that slips under your straps if your bra fits right but your straps still hurt.
- Make sure the bra band (the strap that runs across your back) is parallel to the ground or lower. The bra band should provide most of the support, and the lower it is on your back, the more support it can provide.^{[14]
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- The cups should be smooth against your chest. If your breasts are spilling out the top or sides or it feels like your bra is cutting into your breasts, try a larger cup or a bra with a bigger cup design.^{[15]
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- You should be able to fit a finger under the front of your bra band. If it's too tight, you need a larger band size.^{[16]
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- A professional fitting can be extremely beneficial in helping you find a bra that fits correctly. An employee at a lingerie store or department store can measure you for the right band and cup size.
2
Choose styles that provide adequate support for large breasts. The wrong bra can make your breasts look saggy but, even worse, can cause you significant pain. There are many different bra types on the market, and you'll need to find out which ones work for your body.
- Try a multi-cup bra. The cups on these bras are made up of two or more pieces of fabric and they provide a ton of support. They will center your breast tissue, which will slenderize your silhouette.^{[17]
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- Try a long-line bra, which can relieve stress on your shoulders and back. The band on this bra is extended down to your waist, which distributes the weight of your breasts more evenly over your body. It can also act as shape wear, giving you a smooth line under your clothes.^{[18]
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- Try a minimizer bra, especially if you like button-up shirts. Minimizer bras minimize your breasts' projection, or how far they stick out. If you find your breasts cause gaps between the buttons in your shirts, a minimizer will push them back. Be aware that this can also create cleavage, which you may want to avoid if you're trying to deflect attention from your breasts.^{[19]
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Check online if you're having trouble finding a bra in your size. If you find that the stores in your area don't have bras that accommodate women with larger breasts, there are plenty of great online retailers that offer attractive bras that will give you the support you need.
- Keep in mind that if you are above a DD cup, sizing will vary among different companies. Check the sizing on the website to make sure you choose the right bra.^{[20]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dealing with Unwanted Attention

1
Make safety your priority. If someone is following you, touching you, or you feel threatened, don't be afraid to seek help. Find a friend or authority figure who may be able to help you. Don't confront someone if you think they may become violent or aggressive--just get away from them and get help.^{[21]
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- If someone is following you on the street, try slipping into a coffee shop. Find another woman and tell her you are being followed, and ask if she minds if you sit with her for a minute or if she can act like she's your friend. The harasser will see you joining your friend and probably go away. If you're still worried, call the police.
2
Try to ignore cat calls or, if you want to confront the harasser, try to keep calm. These people are looking for your attention--good or bad--and ignoring them denies them what they want.^{[22]
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- If you feel you need to respond, stay calm, look directly at them, and don't swear or call them names.^{[23]
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- Say something like, "Repeat what you just said to me,"^{[24]
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  Research source} "Stop harassing women," or "Show some respect."^{[25]
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- If they insult you or become defensive, don't respond. Again, they want your attention. Just walk away.^{[26]
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Tell the harasser exactly what you want. Tell the boy who keeps staring at your chest, "Stop staring at me." Tell the guy who keeps asking you out, "I'm not interested. Please leave me alone." It can be scary and difficult to be blunt, but sometimes people don't get the hint, and you need to make it clear. Remember, they are the ones doing something wrong, not you.^{[27]
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- Attack the behavior, not the person. Don't say, "Ugh, you're so gross!" or "You're a jerk." Instead, tell them that what they are doing is not okay, it's harassment, and it needs to stop.
- Remember that just because someone isn't intending to make you uncomfortable or doesn't realize their behavior is inappropriate doesn't mean it's not harassment. A group of guys who whistle, comment on your appearance, or stare every time you walk past might think they are complimenting you, but what they are doing is harassing you.^{[28]
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  Research source} Tell them to stop or talk to a teacher about what's happening.
4
Talk to a teacher, parent, or someone of authority if it continues. If you are constantly harassed at school, or someone groped you on the bus, or a customer is being inappropriate, talk to a teacher, the bus driver, or your manager. They can support you by talking to the harasser, asking them to leave, or even calling the police.^{[29]
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- Try not to worry about getting him in trouble. You may be afraid of what a classmate or coworker will do if you talk to your teacher or manager, but your school or workplace should have policies against retaliation that will get them in serious trouble. Remember that having large breasts doesn't give someone else the right to stare, comment, or touch you without your permission.

Community Q&A

Question

I am 10, almost 11, and my size is 36A. I don't own a bra that doesn't show through my school shirt, and it is very annoying. What should I do?

Community Answer

Can you get different bras? Perhaps some that are the same color as your school shirt so they're less likely to show through? You could also, if you're allowed, wear something over your school shirt, like a sweater or sweatshirt. Bring this up with your parent and see what they say.
Question

I'm only 14 years old, but my bra is size 36B, how can I make my large breasts smaller permanently?

Community Answer

You cannot change your breast size (without surgery), just like you cannot change your height. However, wearing sports bras, especially the tighter ones, will make your breasts look smaller.
Question

How long does it take to get smaller breasts if you exercise?

Community Answer

It really depends on your body. Some people lose weight from their breasts when they lose weight, but others don't. Exercising regularly for 2-3 months should be enough to see if you'll lose any size from your breasts.